Right from the start it was apparent that the Gunners meant business and by halftime they had put the game beyond reach.
It was also a game which confirmed the arrival of Alex Iwobi, whose display reinforces the impression that he can become a regular in an Arsenal squad plagued by injury prone players like Wilshere, Rosicky, and Ramsey.
Everton made the earliest chance when Coleman’s tight angle cross/shot hit the outside of the upright. Welbeck did virtually the same thing moments later, providing early evidence of his presence.
Minutes later Arsenal took the lead following a great one-two passing sequence between Ozil and Sanchez, with the latter feeding Welbeck, whose well-timed run saw him in the clear and he stepped around the keeper and put the Gunners in front.
Arsenal continued to dominate and came close several times to scoring, but Iwobi, Ozil, and Welbeck all missed or had chances blocked at the last minute. Arsenal should have had a penalty as well when Besic fouled Sanchez in the area, but the referee waved play on.
The Gunners finally scored just before halftime when Bellerin’s long ball found Iwobi in the clear and the young man scored his first ever Arsenal goal, tucking it between the keeper’s legs.
The second half saw Arsenal play a more conservative match, looking to hit Everton on the counter.
Everton created few opportunities, although Lukaku’s thuggish challenge on Ospina provided hope that they could take advantage of the injury.
The only chance they could muster was Jagielka’s header that went over the top when he was unmarked in the area.
Arsenal had a Giroud goal waved off as well as several other chances to score a third. Welbeck and Giroud came close.
John Stones came on long enough to make a thuggish challenge on Ozil’s ankle and Arsenal fans will have that to worry about for the next week.
Arsene Wenger insisted after the match that Arsenal are back in the race, but it would’ve been nice if Palace had nicked a few points off Leicester.
Player Ratings:
Ospina 7: He really didn’t have that many saves to make. I remember only two. Will probably be out for awhile after the Lukaku challenge. Spurs were unable to work him that much after the challenge.
Bellerin 7: One of his best games in awhile. He defended well and he attacked well. He got an assist on his excellent long ball to Iwobi.
Gabriel 7: A good game from the Brazilian who helped to keep Lukaku quiet. His best game in awhile.
Koscielny 8: A very good game from Laurent, who mopped up the messes the midfield couldn’t.
Monreal 7: A good but busy day for Nacho, who had to deal with Coleman. The fact that Coleman threw a hissy fit near the end means he was successful.
Coquelin 7: Largely controlled the midfield and helped to keep Barkley quiet. Missed a decent chance in the second half.
Elneny 7: An efficient display from the Egyptian, who is quietly becoming an effective starter, which is good when we hear that Santi’s recovery is taking longer than expected.
Ozil 7: Good game from Mesut, who was at the centre of most of our attacks, particularly in the first half. Went off following Stones’s treading on his ankle.
Iwobi 8: Some great combo’s with Welbeck, his first Arsenal goal, and his ability to get into good scoring positions mean he is making a big impact. A couple of times he did fail to deliver key passes, means he needs to continue to learn.
Welbeck 8: He scored his fourth goal of the season and his energy and pace have been welcome when the squad appears to be sagging. He was a handful for the Everton defence.
Sanchez 7: A great assist on the opening goal. He should’ve been given a penalty, but referee’s don’t trust him. Still looks a little rusty, but one senses he could be close to his best again.
Substitutes:
Giroud 6: He had a goal disallowed for some pushing in the area. He smacked a good chance into the side netting shortly after that.
Gibbs 6: Helped to provide some defence near the end. Chambers n/a: Played just 7 minutes, although he did make a nice pass near the end.